Sunday, April 29, 2007

Monday, April 23, 2007

This is the wrong way to lose weight. But DQ sundaes are sooooo good. and their blizzards. I worked hard all week, strength training and cardio. a girl has got to have a treat once in awhile or you could end up completely falling off the fitness wagon. I got my fill, now I can happily go back to the torture chamber in the morning. I'm planning on another spinning class this week too.

I just finished watching 'The Pursuit of Happiness' with Will Smith. I almost couldn't finish watching it. I read the DVD cover so I knew it turned out good in the end, but it was such a sad movie to watch. My heart broke for that little boy and all the struggles father and son went through. I usually go for comedy and romance and leave the struggle movie alone. I thought if Will S. was in it maybe it would be a fun movie. His acting was excellent in this, but I only recommend it to those who like to watch sad movies.

Saturday, April 21, 2007

Brought home a fresh arm load from the library. Two of my favorite authors ( I have many favs) have new books out and I didn't even know until I saw them on the shelves. Nancy Atherton created the 'Aunt Dimity' series. It's a mystery series with a ghost - Aunt Dimity. If you want to check it out I recommend reading them in order - it's much more fun that way. The second author with a new book t is Diane Mott Davidson who created the 'Goldie Bear - Caterer' series. She solves mysteries while cooking and catering. Again, I've read all hers - in order - I recommend reading them that way. It's so much fun to watch the characters grow. I also brought home a movie (on VCR) thank goodness mine still works - called 'The '60s" . I watched it last night - it's a double tape (3 hrs+) movie starting in 1962 through 1969. What a trip down memory lane - what passion people had for what they believed in. Yes, there were marches and riots and sit-ins and protests and violence - but people stood up for what they believed to be right. We are living in the same world today - we have our troops in a country where we don't belong - how different is that from Viet Nam and yet - where are the protest movements - where is the passion to fight against it. It's minimal at best. Our young generation has yet to pick up their feet and raise their fists to say - stop the insanity - bring our soldiers home!

Thursday, April 19, 2007

I took my first spinning class after work yesterday. WOW. what a workout! I don't even know if want to work that hard to get in shape. It's very satifying when the class is over, but it's definitely not as easy as those TV commercials and shows make it look. of course I'll be back to it - I'm too competitive not too. Plus when (if?) the weather finally does turn warm and we start our outdoor bike rides, I don't want to get left behind panting and heaving. that goes with the whole competitive thing too I guess. oh well.

I've kept my hands busy too. I completed a set. The necklace is curled upon itself because I wanted to get the stones into the picture. There are really pretty striations in them. The necklace is actually 28". The new 'in' length.Now it's time to relax with a glass of red wine . ahhhh.

Monday, April 16, 2007

My nephew is in the Vetrinarian school at Virginia Tech. I was nearly sick when I first heard the news of the shootings. By the time I called my sister, she had already heard from him- her son was safe and sound. He was extremely shook up - he said there were Hundreds of police cars and police with guns everywhere. I am so glad he's safe. My heart goes out to those that lost loved ones today. Just the nearness of wondering if he was ok was sickening - a loss is devastating. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the families who have lost someone in today's chaotic world - whereever they may be.

Sunday, April 15, 2007

First back to Easter. I finally downloaded my Easter pics and wanted to share my PIE.

Next a few pieces I've completed. Trying to put some Spring into life here. Cleveland is being cheated out of Spring this year. It snowed here again yesterday and we expect a high of 44 today. I hope it's a LONG, HOT SUMMER. For some reason I always think of Navy and White to be included in Spring - has something to do with my memories of Easter when I was younger.

Then I thought something bright and shiny. This is actually soft purples and silver.

I can't wait for my new camera! It goes on sale next week. This one is great for close-ups but doesn't do well for true color capture unless I'm using true sunlight.

Here's the project I'm working on next. LONG necklaces are in, so this one is teal/silver and 32" long.

Then for some real fun, I stopped at one of my favorite bead shops yesterday and picked up some new beads to work with. I would like to have room for many, many more and the time to work them all.

Thursday, April 12, 2007

Alarm goes off at 5:20 - get out of bed at 5:30, brush, dress and dash out the door. Breakfast and Lunch were packed the night before so I can control what I'm eating. I'm off to the gym - I get there by 6:00. It a nice place - lots of machines - today I warmed up on an elliptical then did a circuit of arm workouts until I couldn't lift my arms to scratch my head - no time for a cool down on the treadmill today. 45 min of exercise and I'm off to the showers, I bring my flipflops for the shower - they supply the towels, showers have shampoo, conditioner and liqid bath soap. Keep moving, dry off, dress, hair and a light touch of makeup and I'm out the door by 7:30 and get to work at exactly the same time as if I had slept in. BUT I'm feeling better for it-- I really am. I used to think it was just talk, but a morning workout energizes my work day. My plan - get up early 4 x's week for morning strength training. I'll do my cardio after work 3 x's week. My goal - keep it up for a year. The toughest time will be in the summer, we do a lot of bike riding so cardio is not an issue, going inside for strength will take motivation.

Monday, April 09, 2007

We had a lot of fun visiting with my family on Easter. We gathered about 16 of us around the table. My sister and I both brought shrimp appetizers - hadn't thought to talk it through and go figure - my brothers wife, our dear hostess, doesn't even like shrimp so she didn't enjoy any of that. I also brought a homemade berry pie and of course then my sisters father-in-law says that's the only thing he CAN'T eat. he was so disappointed. oh well, I loved it. it's a shame he didn't think to bring something he might like in case he doesn't like anything that's there. I do. Gotta think about yourself. it sounds selfish but it's not. That keeps a positive spin on my outlook. you don't get disappointed if you at least can please yourself! Then Gar and I went for a (hopefully) last winter walk through the snow filled park. We walked 5 miles! yes. My goal is to be buff by beach week - mid July. Beach week is always a great motivator for me - cruises too. No photo's today cause I'm a bit busy tonight. Lots to do !!

Sunday, April 08, 2007

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

I just completed this piece tonight. The photo doesn't do the shell justice. It has a mother of pearl finish to it and picks up light and changes color as your turn it. It has pinks and greens and beiges.

I wonder if anyone else had trouble with this full moon. It was soooo strong. Monday was the actual full moon. I went home with a screaming headache and had to lie down for an hour. On Tuesday, I had heartburn all day. I don't usually get heartburn and hadn't eaten anything unusual to cause it. I could only blame the pull of the moon. Phew. I'm feeling much more normal today.

Of course, I can't resist another photo opp with my forsythia, they bring a promise of warmer weather when they pop up. Did I mention it's 30 degrees and snowing again here! arrgh!

Monday, April 02, 2007

I'm using some of my creative energy toward a food craft. I've always wanted to make my own bread and have now found a group of bakers willing to teach through a blog. Pizza is the first lesson from A Year in Bread. I finished my first try at homemade pizza dough yesterday. It turned out better than I expected.

I didn't have italian sausage so I used andouille sausage and jalepeno peppers with the normal green pepper and onions.

The crust ended up thin, I guess I rolled it out too much. I'll make a smaller, thicker pizza with the second half of the dough that I put away in the freezer. It tasted good anyway.

Sunday, April 01, 2007

AHHHH, it is good to be home. As I was saying yesterday, when I got home from my travels a package arrived the same day. It was my prize from the OneWorldOneHeart giveaway. A gift from Anna at Anna's World.

She sent me 3 precious ATC cards and a card holder/frame. Even the gift tag was a darling ATC. These are the first ATC's I've ever seen in person or owned and they're adorable. Thank you Anna - your work is beautiful.

Another surprise waiting for me when I got home was a bright bouquet of carnations from Gary. What a wonderful welcome it was. The colors are so bright and vivid, I just smile every time I look at them.

My forsythia are blooming! The Crocus's are up! and the birds are singing - there is a soft rain falling this morning, but even that adds to the sweetness of a spring day.

Lastly, here is the training class I was in. A long, grueling week, but the training was well worth it. This is the team I work with and we'll be able to put what we learned last week to good use.